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Smith Electric Vehicles Unveils New Products at LCV2009- World's first high-specification minibus
- First test drive opportunity for electric people carrier
- Full range of electric vans and trucks on display
Media Contact: Dan Jenkins 07725 784089; dan.jenkins@smithelectricvehicles.com
MILLBROOK, Bedfordshire – TWO new electric passenger vehicles will make their UK debut today (SEPT 9th).
Visitors to LCV2009, the low carbon vehicle showcase event, will have the first opportunity to test drive a new electric people carrier from Smith Electric Vehicles. The world's largest manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles (EVs) will also be unveiling a new electric executive minibus.
Kevin Harkin, Sales Director for Smith Electric Vehicles, said: "These two vehicles demonstrate how easily we can translate our EV technology for moving goods into EVs that move people."
The zero emission Smith Ampere people carrier is an eight seat passenger vehicle with a projected range of 100 miles (160km) on a full battery charge and a top speed of 70mph (113km/h).
Smith Electric Vehicles has produced commercial EVs for over 80 years and is Ford's official collaborator on commercial EVs in Europe and North America. The two companies launched the people carrier as a concept vehicle at this year's Geneva Motor Show. However, LCV2009 is the first opportunity for potential customers to experience the vehicle in motion, on the test track at Millbrook Proving Grounds.
Smith will also unveil a new, nine or 11-seat battery electric minibus, called the Speedster, which will go into service with a major London retailer. It has a top speed of 50mph and a range of 80-130 miles on a full charge, depending on the size of the battery pack.
Smith has developed an onboard fast-charging technology that will further extend the vehicle's daily operating range to over 200 miles.
Working with new company Green Urban Transport, Smith has developed the unique executive minibus based on its Smith Edison electric van, which uses the Ford Transit chassis. Green Urban Transport will deploy the first prototype vehicle on trials with a number of companies, including offering a premium London commuting solution and a premium door-to-door shuttle service for customers of a major retailer in West London.
Andy MacLachlan, CEO of Green Urban Transport said: "This is a world-first for electric vehicles, in an area where we see substantial growth opportunities.
"Our passenger transport model offers clean, environmentally friendly travel solutions that will suit a broad spectrum of applications and companies.
"With Smith's fast charging technology, the Speedster will be capable of 200+ miles per day."
The two new vehicles will be on display alongside the full range of Smith's electric vans and trucks, which is the largest range of commercial electric vehicles in the world.
The Smith Ampere is a light van based on the Ford Transit Connect chassis and the Smith Edison is based on the Ford Transit chassis. Both are produced in collaboration with Ford of Europe. The Smith Newton is the world's largest road-going electric truck, with kerb weights of 7,500kg, 10,000kg and 12,000kg. Edison and Newton have a proven range in urban operations of 100 miles and a top speed of 50mph. Ampere has a top speed of 70mph and a range of 100 miles on a full charge.
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